Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites are widely used in aerospace applications that require severe quality parameters. To simplify the assembly operations and reduce the associated costs, the current trend in industry is to optimize the drilling processes. However, the machining of CFRP composites is very challenging compared with metals, and several defect types can be generated by drilling. The emerging process of orbital drilling can greatly reduce the defects associated with the traditional drilling of CFRP, but it is a more complex process requiring careful process parameters selection and it does not allow for the complete elimination of the thrust force responsible for delamination damage. As an alternative to traditional and orbital drilling, this work presents a new hole making process, where the hole is realized by a combination of drilling and peripheral milling performed using the same cutting tool following a novel tool path strategy. An original tool design principle is proposed to realize a new drill-milling tool, made of a first drilling and a subsequent milling portion. Two different tool configurations are experimentally tested to evaluate the performance of the newly-conceived combined drill-milling process. This process is quick and easy, and the experimental results show an improvement in the drilled hole quality.

This research explores the development of highly durable flexible electronic textiles (e-textiles) for wearable electronics, focusing on improving their washability and performance. A conductive graphene-based ink was screen-printed onto a polyester textile. Water-based polyurethane (PU) coatings with variable crosslinker ratios and thickener were applied to solve washability issues. The results show that the PU coatings significantly enhanced the electrical stability and durability of the printed pathways after multiple washing cycles. The conductivity remained intact after 120 washing cycles, indicating that the final properties of the e-textile, which contained 6 wt% thickener and 3 wt% crosslinker, provided effective water protection. The results highlight the promise of these coated e-textiles for wearable electronics applications, especially in the occupational and healthcare sectors, where long-term flexibility and washability are critical.

This study investigates the combined use of electron beam irradiation (EBI) and nanotechnology to develop improved food packaging films. EBI, commonly applied for sterilization, can alter polymer microstructure, while irradiated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) offer enhanced functionality when incorporated into biopolymer matrices. Here, CNCs were irradiated with doses up to 50 kGy, leading to the formation of carboxyl and aldehyde groups, confirmed by FTIR analysis, as a consequence of the initial formation of free radicals and peroxides that may subsist in that original form or be converted into various carbonyl groups. Flexible films were obtained by incorporating pristine and EB-irradiated CNCs in an internal mixer, using minute amounts of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) to facilitate the dispersion of the filler within the polymer matrix. The resulting PLA/PEO/CNC films were evaluated for their mechanical, thermal, barrier, and antioxidant properties. The results showed that structural modifications of CNCs led to significant enhancements in the performance of the composite films, including a 30% improvement in water barrier properties and a 50% increase in antioxidant activity. These findings underscore the potential of irradiated CNCs as effective additives in biopolymer-based active packaging, offering a sustainable approach to reduce dependence on synthetic preservatives and potentially extend the shelf life of food products.

Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) remain a significant global challenge, as pathogenic microorganisms can persist on hospital surfaces and medical equipment, contributing to severe infections and epidemic outbreaks. Conventional preventive measures, including disinfection procedures and personal protective equipment, are often insufficient to ensure complete microbial control, prompting interest in innovative antimicrobial surface technologies. This study reports the design, preparation, and comprehensive characterization of chitosan- and poly(ε-caprolactone)-based antibacterial coatings incorporating chlorhexidine-loaded zirconium phosphate (ZrPCHX) nanoparticles. Coatings were deposited by optimized spray and brush techniques to obtain uniform, adherent, and well-defined films. Their morphological, physicochemical, mechanical, and cytocompatibility properties were systematically evaluated, and antibacterial efficacy was assessed against clinically relevant pathogens following ISO 22196:2011 and additional protocols simulating realistic hospital conditions. Both coating systems demonstrated pronounced antibacterial activity, with the PCL-based formulation exhibiting a faster and broader bactericidal effect while maintaining good cytocompatibility. These findings support the potential of the developed nanostructured coatings as sustainable and scalable materials for the active decontamination of high-touch hospital surfaces, offering continuous antimicrobial protection and contributing to a reduction in HCAI incidence.

This research explores the development of highly durable, flexible electronic textiles (e-textiles) for wearable electronics, focusing on improving their washability and performance. A conductive graphene-based ink is screen-printed onto a polyester textile. Water-based polyurethane (PU) coatings with variable crosslinker ratios and thickener are applied to solve washability issues. The results show that PU coatings significantly enhance the electrical stability and durability of printed pathways after multiple washing cycles. The conductivity remains intact after 120 washing cycles, indicating that the final properties of the e-textile, which contains 6 wt% thickener and 3 wt% crosslinker, provide effective water protection. The results highlight the promise of these coated e-textiles for wearable electronics applications, especially in the occupational and healthcare sectors, where long-term flexibility, washability are critical.